Today in History - 1869

U.S. Postage stamps showing scenes (pony express rider, locomotive, steam ship, Columbus' arrival to the New World, and signing Declaration of Independence) are issued for 1st time. The designs were furnished by the National Bank Note Co. of New York with their bid, upon which contract was entered into on the 12th of December, 1868. Only printed one year due their unpopularity at the time.